Poster for World War Z

World War Z (2013) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

Life for former United Nations investigator Gerry Lane and his family seems content. Suddenly, the world is plagued by a mysterious infection turning whole human populations into rampaging mindless zombies. After barely escaping the chaos, Lane is persuaded to go on a mission to investigate this disease. What follows is a perilous trek around the world where Lane must brave horrific dangers and long odds to find answers before human civilization falls.

Rated PG-13 • 2013 • 1h 56m

6.8
10K+
Average rating by Bontent members
Sign up for full access
Age
13+

World War Z follows former UN investigator Gerry Lane as he attempts to save his family during a global zombie apocalypse. The film is rated PG-13 primarily for its intense, relentless zombie sequences and high-stakes survival scenarios. Parents should note frequent scenes of aggressive violence, including biting, stampedes, and graphic injury, alongside some mild profanity and references to death. It is best suited for older teens due… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Brad Pitt
Brad Pitt
Mireille Enos
Mireille Enos
Daniella Kertesz
Daniella Kertesz
James Badge Dale
James Badge Dale
Ludi Boeken
Ludi Boeken
Matthew Fox
Matthew Fox
Fana Mokoena
Fana Mokoena
David Morse
David Morse
Elyes Gabel
Elyes Gabel
Sterling Jerins
Sterling Jerins
Peter Capaldi
Peter Capaldi
Pierfrancesco Favino
Pierfrancesco Favino
Sign up to get 40,000+ Bontent parent guides
Unlock ratings, reviews, recommendations and guides for all content types

Is World War Z appropriate for kids?

World War Z follows former UN investigator Gerry Lane as he attempts to save his family during a global zombie apocalypse. The film is rated PG-13 primarily for its intense, relentless zombie sequences and high-stakes survival scenarios. Parents should note frequent scenes of… Read more — free account

Content severity in World War Z

Sex None 0/10
Violence Strong 7/10
Language Moderate 3/10
Substances Mild 2/10
Themes Strong 5/10

What happens in World War Z, moment by moment

  1. 0:15 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
  2. 0:28 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
  3. 0:45 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
Unlock all 10 flagged moments — free account →

Sex and nudity in World War Z

There is no sexual content; a brief instance of kissing between a married couple is shown.

Violence and gore in World War Z

The film features moderate to strong zombie-related violence, including biting, mass stampedes, and various injuries. Characters are shown shooting zombies, being bitten, and sustaining self-inflicted wounds, such as an accidental headshot or an emergency amputation. Combat scenes are chaotic and frequent, often depicting people being overwhelmed by hordes.

Language in World War Z

Language is mild throughout the film. Occasional uses of 's*it', 'damn', and various abuses of the Lord's name occur during high-stress scenes.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in World War Z

Substance use is minimal and incidental. Characters are seen drinking small bottles of alcohol in a few scenes to cope with the stress of the disaster.

Mature themes in World War Z

The film explores intense themes of survival, global collapse, and the loss of family. Characters face desperate situations, including the choice to end their lives or the lives of others to prevent infection, and the weight of abandoning humanity to save one's own family is a recurring stressor.

Bontent Member Reviews

Register for free to join the conversation!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is World War Z appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests World War Z is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. World War Z follows former UN investigator Gerry Lane as he attempts to save his family during a global zombie apocalypse. The film is rated PG-13 primarily for its intense, relentless zombie sequences and high-stakes…

What age rating does World War Z have?

World War Z is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.

What is World War Z about?

World War Z follows former UN investigator Gerry Lane as he attempts to save his family during a global zombie apocalypse. The film is rated PG-13 primarily for its intense, relentless zombie sequences and high-stakes survival scenarios. Parents should note frequent scenes of aggressive violence, including biting…

Is there sex or nudity in World War Z?

There is no sexual content; a brief instance of kissing between a married couple is shown.

How violent is World War Z?

The film features moderate to strong zombie-related violence, including biting, mass stampedes, and various injuries. Characters are shown shooting zombies, being bitten, and sustaining self-inflicted wounds, such as an accidental headshot or an emergency…

Is the language in World War Z appropriate for kids?

Language is mild throughout the film. Occasional uses of 's*it', 'damn', and various abuses of the Lord's name occur during high-stress scenes.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in World War Z?

Substance use is minimal and incidental. Characters are seen drinking small bottles of alcohol in a few scenes to cope with the stress of the disaster.

What mature themes appear in World War Z?

The film explores intense themes of survival, global collapse, and the loss of family. Characters face desperate situations, including the choice to end their lives or the lives of others to prevent infection, and the weight of abandoning humanity to save…

How long is World War Z?

World War Z runs 116 minutes, directed by Marc Forster, released in 2013.

Where can I read the full World War Z parent guide?

Create a free Bontent account to unlock the full scene-by-scene notes, filter by your kids' ages, and save titles to your personal watchlist.

Sign up for access to 40,000+ parent guides.